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Written by

Cameron Miculka

Pacific Daily News

Hearts in the right place: Kindergarten students Gisele Johnson, left, and Mylee DeLeon show their "Hearts for Healing" cards at Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School yesterday. Lyndon B. Johnson and Tamuning elementary schools are raising money for victims of the Tumon tragedy by selling the cards, which students decorate, for $1 each. Masako Watanabe/Pacific Daily News/mwatanabe@guampdn.com.

Patient released: Joseph Verga, center, Guam Memorial Hospital CEO/administrator, is flanked by Christine Tuquero, left, GMH hospital unit supervisor, and Dr. Larry Lizama, GMH medical director, as he speaks during a press conference yesterday. Verga announced Michiko Yokota, a 51-year-old woman hospitalized as a result of the alleged attack of murder suspect Chad De Soto on Feb. 12, was released to return to Japan. Rick Cruz/Pacific Daily News/rmcruz@guampdn.com

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The last hospitalized victim of the Tumon attack returned to Japan yesterday with her family and her husband's remains.

Michiko Yokota was discharged from Guam Memorial Hospital yesterday morning and taken to a hospital in Japan.

The 51-year-old woman was in intensive care for several days after being hit by a car. She spent close to a week in the hospital.

She was among 14 victims brought to the hospital last Tuesday night after Tamuning resident Chad De Soto, 21, allegedly ran people over then started stabbing bystanders.

Two women, both Japanese tourists, allegedly were stabbed to death by De Soto. Yokota's husband, Hitoshi Yokota, who was hit by a car, died Thursday at Guam Memorial Hospital.

Eleven others were injured.

GMH Chief Executive Officer Joe Verga said Michiko Yokota was in very critical condition when she first arrived at the hospital, but her condition improved.

Medical Director Dr. Larry Lizama said she was moved from intensive care to regular care on Sunday.

Although she was released from the hospital, both Verga and Lizama said she still needs medical care and would be traveling with a nurse and medical equipment for her flight to Japan.

"She wants to go home," Lizama said.

Lizama said it's too early to say whether Yokota's injuries are permanent. He added she will undergo rehabilitation therapy in Japan.

Verga said Yokota left the hospital at about 11:20 a.m. with her family and her husband's remains.

Their flight left Guam later in the afternoon, according to Japanese media.

Verga said the family was in good spirits as they left.

The family expressed their gratitude for the care they received on the island, and said they planned on returning to Guam in the future, he said.

Verga said that overall, he was very proud of how GMH staff responded to the victims of the attack.

Tumon threat

Just a week after the attack, police are taking any potential threats to public safety seriously.

Police yesterday responded to the Outrigger Guam Resort, the site of the Feb. 12 attack, after the hotel received a threatening phone call, according to Guam Police Department spokesman Officer A.J. Balajadia.

"Outrigger immediately contacted us and officers responded to the threat," he said.

Police are investigating the matter and are on high alert as a result of the phone call, Balajadia said.

He said the person responsible for the call could be charged with terroristic conduct if arrested.

Police last week set up an office at the resort so witnesses could speak with officers, but Balajadia said the location now is closed.

However, he said, police still are taking calls about the attack, at 475-8553.